Our signature has always been to pair wines with experiences – and our trademark story and event - Wines to Drink with the Oscar Nominated Films is where we got our start.
Seems like in 2009 we’re going to need a lot of reasons to celebrate and so we decided to break tradition and make some suggested pairings for the Golden Globe show. After all, if the attendees are eating and drinking their way through the event – why shouldn’t we?
For Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Getting older isn’t a bad thing when you a contemplating an aged Bordeaux to go with your burger and fries. Wines of Bordeaux are some of our favorites for this pairing. Consider these vintages that are actually better buys right now 2001, 2003, 1999. If you’re impatient, like Benjamin, try a 2005 from St. Emilion, Fonsac or Pomerol for a best price bet.
Frost Nixon
Around the time of this interview Jim Clendenen was driving his VW bug through the hills of Santa Barbara – more specifically the now famous ‘Sideways Trail’ – to discover the property that would become the famous Sanford winery. Jim’s moved on from that operation and many new wanna be’s are trying to make there mark in this area. Some of our favorites are Dave Corey’s Elevation Sensation – a blend of grenache and mouvedre from the high desert of Santa Barbara or more readily available Au Bon Climat – newer vintages available at most major wine retailers nationally.
The Reader
If anyone tells me what the secret is in this film before I get to see it I’m going to be really pissed. When I think of secrets, I think to drink wines from Salta in Argentina. This area is not so much of a secret to those ‘in the know’ but rather a place where gorgeous wine is being made by pre-eminent wines makers like Paul Hobbs. There are still some good values but hurry up – the secret is out.
Revolutionary Road
There’s nothing more disappointing than having high expectations and being let down. Leonardo and Kate know that only too well in this high class drama. While their lives un-wound over cocktails and beer in this movie, I would choose bubbly to drown my sorrows. Try Schramsburg, Domaine Carneros or Louis Roederer on the domestic front or a bottle of Veuve which was popular in this era.
Slumdog Millionaire
Whether this movie has another shot for the Best Picture has us hanging onto our seats since this was one of our absolute favorites of the season. Our viewing menu includes vegetable samos, different types of naans with chutney and raita and tandori chicken on skewers for grazing. The colors and ‘spice’ of the struggle portrayed on the screen made us think of a good Zinfandel from the central coast of California and Old Ghost is one of our favs (and would certainly ‘haunt’ our hero). If you’re craving a spicy white with this then don’t forget the Riesling. Hugel is available nationwide and won’t break the bank.
Check out our wine choices from Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive - www.wine-valet.com - we'll be open Sunday from 2-5 p.m. 310.274.9224.
